By Livio Caferoglu

The Biancocelesti supremo is furious with the way his team have been portrayed by sections of the press after they cut the gap at the top to three points

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has slammed the Italian media for their portrayal of the club, following his side's 2-0 win over Atalanta.

The Biancocelesti closed the gap at the Serie A summit to three points on Sunday, but Sergio Floccari's opening goal was adjudged by sections of the press to have been assisted by a deliberate handball.

"When Lazio win, it always seems to be due to a refereeing error," he told Stadio Sprint.

"Floccari's handball was involuntary, and according to the rulebook, the goal should count."

Lotito has thrown himself into the running to become the next president of the Lega Serie A after current incumbent Maurizio Beretta announced that he would step down from the role.

Yet he appeared to suggest the organisation which runs the Italian top flight have deliberately tarnished the image of his club.

"Am I optimistic about the vote on Friday? I know that presidents have their clubs at heart and so do I," he added.

"I do not speak of my colleagues because they have tried to create rifts outside [the Lega Serie A].

"I only ask myself questions as a president, not an employee [of the Lega Serie A], because I am still the president of a football club."